Everyone needs to be careful these days on outings to public lands. Trappers are busy in the hills. My dog was caught in a neck snare recently while my husband and I were hiking on the edge of the forest in southern Idaho. (Fortunately, we were close by and able to rescue her.)

I alerted the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, to no avail. The agency's curt response was that the public is responsible for guarding against injuries from any traps on public lands - and for getting people or dogs out of them. Trappers, an agency official said, can put traps or snares anywhere they please, including hiking trails and roads.

This "policy" may well produce a citizens' lawsuit should anyone or their pets, livestock or horses be injured as a result of IDFG's attitude. In the meantime, be watchful and careful when you visit public lands.